As sustainability continues to be an industry driver for innovation, bio-based raw materials for organic
coatings give formulators the option to create a more sustainable product. However, when formulators
consider replacing their petroleum-based raw materials with bio-based counterparts, one might fear
coating performance may suffer as a result. This paper compares an industry standard petroleumbased
polyisocyanate to a bio-based polyisocyanate when used in a two-component (2K) solvent-borne
polyurethane, a 2K solvent-borne fluoropolymer, and a 2K solvent-borne polyaspartic coating. Test
results such as pot life, dry times, gloss, and more will be shared to support the theory that bio-based
products have similar performance to a petroleum-based counterpart. With these results, the hope is to
improve the industry’s perspective on bio-based raw materials and dispel any myths that associate
sustainable solutions with lower performance. In addition, this paper serves as an example on how raw
material suppliers can help paint manufacturers achieve their sustainability initiatives through the
offerings of bio-based alternatives.